Battier: Make Spurs guards ‘pay the price’

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — With their ability to get to the basket, Spurs guards Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili have shot 29 free throws in the first two games against the Grizzlies, even with Ginobili sitting out Game 1 and Parker not getting to the line at all in Game 2.

Calling them one of the league’s best tandems at drawing fouls, Memphis forward Shane Battier on Friday issued a warning: They should expect the Grizzlies to be more physical from now on.

“We didn’t get our money’s worth on our fouls against those guys,” Battier said. “If they’re going to draw fouls, we’ve got to make them feel it a little more. We can’t give them touch fouls and allow them to get three-point plays and skate through free.”

The way Indiana held Chicago Bulls MVP candidate Derrick Rose to 4-of-18 shooting in Thursday’s playoff game — despite Rose hitting the game-winner — by being more physical is a template for what the Grizzlies need to do against the Spurs, Battier said.

“I’m not saying we’re going to do anything dirty, but it’s (got to be) a playoff foul,” he said.

“They’re going to pay the price to get to the basket, because that’s what they do. That’s OK, but we have to get our money’s worth.”

Parker, meanwhile, said he was prepared to use Memphis’ foul-first approach to his advantage.

“We have to penetrate and be aggressive and make sure we don’t settle for jump shots,” he said. “They’re going to foul. That’s their philosophy.”

BIRTHDAY TREAT: After spending the past three weeks on a strict diet, Spurs center DeJuan Blair was allowed one splurge Friday, which was his 22nd birthday.

“I told him he could have oatmeal,” coach Gregg Popovich said. “But I’m going to eat it with him. Oatmeal and berries.”

Earlier in the series, Blair revealed that Popovich had encouraged him to drop weight heading into the playoffs. By cutting out some of his fast-food favorites, Blair said he’s dropped 15 to 20 pounds.

“He’s really worked the last few weeks,” Popovich said.

HILL IN SUPPORTING ROLE: Spurs guard George Hill spent Thursday’s off day visiting with a San Antonio high school student paralyzed in a drive-by shooting.

Eddie Moreno, a 17-year-old basketball player at Alamo Heights, was severely injured in a March 26 incident outside a local McDonald’s.

“It shows you life can take turns at any second,” Hill said. “You have to be grateful for what you have and count all your blessings because it can be taken away tomorrow.”

Hill’s message for the teenager was simple and heartfelt.

“I’m here for you,” he said. “And I’ll be here for you until you get better.”

EASY SELL: With Game 3 a quick sellout at the FedEx Forum, Memphis general manager Chris Wallace was asked if it was the hottest ticket in franchise history.

“I can’t speak for the entire life of the franchise, but I think it is,” he said.

The Grizzlies have never hosted a playoff game in which they weren’t already down 2-0 in the series.

“(Fans) are coming because they’re excited about where we are,” Wallace said. “We’re hoping there aren’t too many jerseys from the opposing team here.”